The Dismount, Run, and Remount for Cyclo-Cross Racing

This technique is the same technique used in cyclo-cross races. If you have ever entered or watched a cyclo-cross race (a bike race where you have to get off your bike and run as well as jump over barriers), you have an idea of the appropriate technique. Once I have talked you through the appropriate technique, I will give you some skills to go out and practice. It is always wise to find someone who is well versed in mounting and dismounting to watch you and give you some pointers.

Figure 7.1 - Swing your nondominant leg over the bike while still in motion and feed it through your dominant leg and the bike once you are close to the running section.

To dismount, swing one leg over the saddle while your bike is still in motion (see figure 7.1). You should generally go to the side that you are most comfortable with or have an easier time getting out of the pedals. I am left-handed and feel more comfortable standing and dismounting on my left side, and therefore I go through the sequence by swinging my right leg over the saddle. Once I swing my right left around, I feed it between my left leg and the bike. At the same time I am swinging my right leg through, I take my right hand off of the bar and grab the middle of the top tube. When I am close enough to the running section, which should only be a lapse of 10 to 15 seconds, I continue to step through with my right foot and at the same time flick my left foot out of the pedal. Once my right food hits the ground I can either pick up my bike with my right hand and lift it over the obstacle, push the bike forward over the rough terrain, or lift the bike up on to my shoulder and run with it in that position. It is best to wait until you are as close as possible to the obstacle or running section before you dismount because riding is faster than running and the more forward momentum you can keep by staying on your bike, the better.

In a long running section, you may decide to shoulder your bike, which will allow you to run faster. The appropriate technique for shouldering the bike is to put your right hand on the down tube instead of the top tube and use that hand to swing the bike up, planting the middle of the top tube on your shoulder (see figure 7.2). Then let go of the down tube and feed that arm through the frame triangle and back around between the frame and the fork and place it on the left side of the bards. Your left hand will then be free to swing in a running motion to help propel you forward. This may be difficult for those of us who have small frames because the water bottle cage will get in the way of you feeding your arm through the triangle. The other option for mountain bikers is the rest the nose of your saddle on your shoulder. This does not afford you as much clearance between your front wheel and the ground but you may not have an option.